Our network includes four hospitals, six outpatient centers, two cancer centers and 700 physicians at more than 160 affiliated locations stretching from Alleghany Highlands and Rockbridge County to the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

Finding the right doctor is an important first step in managing your health and planning for your future. At LewisGale, you can choose from among the most experienced and highly trained physicians in their fields. We can help you make the best choice.

Definition

Causes

Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms. This is called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors. They can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is known to cause cancer. This type of cancer is almost always caused by exposure to it. Even a small amount of exposure can be a risk.Other fibers can cause mesothelioma.

Risk Factors

Exposure to other fibers
(erionite, fluoro-edenite, and refractory ceramic)

Exposure to ionizing radiation

Symptoms

This cancer can take up to 20-40 years to develop. Early signs of pleural mesothelioma include:

Trouble breathing

Long-lasting cough

Pain under the rib cage or in the abdomen

Pain while breathing

Weight loss and fatigue

Many people do not have symptoms for a long period of time.

Diagnosis

Your doctor ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in lung problems or cancer. A pulmonologist focuses on the lungs. An oncologist focuses on cancer.

Sometimes, it is hard to tell the difference between this and other, more common types of
lung cancer.

These same tests and others may also be used to find out if cancer has spread outside the pleura. It is important to know whether and how far the cancer has spread to plan treatment. This step is called the staging process. It helps determine the level of treatment.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.